Scout Boats 350 LXF, Owner'S Manual

Page: 119 / 166

119
Routine Maintenance
Laminated Vinyl Tops
Laminated vinyl top material is a lamination of
two plies of specially formulated vinyl with an
inner reinforcing core fabric. The most common
trade name for this fabric is Weblon.® It is not
unusual for the interior ply to be a different color
than the exterior. There is a greater tendency for
this type of fabric to leak at the seams than with
acrylic or vinyl coated polyester. Paraffin wax that
matches the top can be used to seal the seams
if necessary.
Laminated vinyl fabrics should be cleaned pe -
riodically by using Ivory Flakes, Ivory Liquid or
another mild soap and water. Scrub lightly and
rinse thoroughly to remove the soap. Do not
use detergents, or harsh cleaners like bleach and
ammonia. They will attack the vinyl in the fabric
and shorten its life. The top or accessories should
never be folded or stored wet.
In fresh water areas, the top and curtains should
be washed weekly. This is particularly important
if the boat is stored near a highway, airport or in
a large city. Residue from jet fuel, exhaust fumes
and industrial pollution can shorten the life of tops
and enclosures.
In saltwater areas, the top and curtains should be
rinsed with fresh water after each use and at least
weekly if it is stored outside. Saltwater attracts
moisture and dirt can shorten the life of fabric tops
and enclosures. The salt is also abrasive and can
cause premature wear in the stitching.
Clear Curtains and Connectors
Side curtains and clear connectors can be cleaned
with mild soap and water. They should not be al-
lowed to become badly soiled. Dirt, oil, mildew,
and cleaning agents containing ammonia, will
shorten the life of the vinyl that is used for clear
curtains. After cleaning the curtains and allowing
them to dry, apply a non-lemon furniture polish
or an acrylic glass and clear plastic protector to
extend the life of the curtains.
Vinyl curtains should be stored either rolled or
flat, without folds or creases. Folding the curtains
will make permanent creases that could cause the
vinyl to crack.
NOTICE:
Do not use any polish containing lemon
scents or lemon. The lemon juice will attack
the vinyl and shorten its life.
Snaps should be lubricated periodically with petro-
leum jelly, silicone grease or a lubricant designed
for snaps. Zippers should be lubricated with sili-
cone spray, paraffin or silicone stick.
Strataglass
Strataglass® is a special coated vinyl that could
be used in the curtains for the hardtop enclosure.
The coating protects the vinyl glass and resists
scratching. Waxes and Plexiglas polishing com -
pounds should not be used on strataglass as the
protective coating prevents them from penetrating
into the vinyl and they will build up on the surface.
These products will create a hazy, greasy appear -
ance that will affect the clarity of the strataglass.
Products that repel water, like Rainex®, should not
be used as they will not take well to the surface
and could appear spotty and may also yellow or
dull the Strataglass over time.
Strataglass can be cleaned by rinsing off dirt or
salt deposits with fresh water, then washing with
a clean cloth and mild soap. Chamois dry to re-
move water spots and improve clarity. If a polish
is accidentally used, use Windex® or its equivalent
to remove it. While window cleaners will destroy
the standard vinyl normally used in side curtains
and clear connectors, it will not harm strataglass.
Always roll down the curtains and snap in place at
the end of each day so the curtains will maintain
their shape and to minimize fold distortions.
Depending upon usage, it is recommended that
an occasional application of Aquatech Strataglass
Cleaner be done. Treat this like a polish, as op-
posed to a cleaner - wash and dry curtains first,
then apply Aquatech Strataglass Cleaner, actually
buffing the surface to a beautiful sheen. This is
not just a wipe on/ wipe off product…it needs to
be buffed to perform.
Remember, the coating on strataglass is scratch
resistant and not scratch proof. Always handle the
curtains with care and never roll up curtains that
are salty or dirty. If you have any questions about
the clear curtains used on your boat, please con-
tact the Scout Customer Service Department.
Hardtop enclosures must be removed when
trailering. Canvas enclosures are not designed
to withstand the extreme wind pressure encoun -
tered while trailering and will be damaged. Always
remove and properly store the enclosure before
trailering your boat.